David Modzeleski – Warner Bros. Discovery

Just as Superman and Batman tirelessly defend the citizens of their cities, David Modzeleski, senior vice president and head of global IP at Warner Bros. Discovery, safeguards the company’s invaluable creations, ensuring the legacy of iconic characters and stories remains secure.

David Modzeleski | Warner Bros. Discovery | SVP & Head of Global IP

Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) is a global entertainment giant home to some of the most iconic and beloved brands in media history. The company, formed in 2022 through the merger of WarnerMedia and Discovery, Inc., operates across film, television, streaming and gaming, with an unparalleled intellectual property portfolio. Modzeleski is at the heart of this operation. In his role, Modzeleski oversees the protection, management and strategic growth of WBD’s vast IP assets, which he describes as both a privilege and a dynamic challenge.

“WBD is fortunate to own one of the world’s most iconic and valuable IP portfolios, and to lead the team responsible for stewarding these properties is exciting, dynamic, and so very rewarding,” Modzeleski tells Vanguard during an interview in December.

When Modzeleski assumed his current position in March 2023, he was no stranger to intellectual property or the company. Having joined Discovery in 2012, he was key in managing its IP portfolio and commercial litigation department during significant growth. However, the scale of the challenge he faced after the merger was unlike anything he had encountered before.

“I went from managing 10,000 trademarks worldwide with Discovery to 65,000 worldwide, not to mention significantly larger copyright, patent, content protection, and IP policy functions,” Modzeleski explains.  “But I was ready and excited for the new remit and dove right in.”

This exponential increase in responsibility was just one aspect of the transition, as he also had to integrate teams, processes and strategies from two legacy companies into a unified IP function capable of supporting WBD’s global ambitions.

A company like WBD, which defines itself as a content powerhouse, places immense value on its intellectual property. From classic Warner Bros. films to Discovery’s documentary programming, from HBO’s groundbreaking series to DC’s superheroes, the company’s brands are its lifeblood. Modzeleski understands this intimately, describing WBD as “a content company at our core.” His work is rooted in the belief that protecting the company’s IP is fundamental to its success.

“We are stewards of one of the most iconic IP portfolios in the industry, and I feel a great responsibility to protect these assets offensively and defensively. I am committed to this mission and take great pride in doing so,” he says.

Guarding against piracy

One of the most pressing challenges is Modzeleski’s role in combating piracy, which has become more sophisticated with technological advancements. As an active Motion Picture Association (MPA) member and its anti-piracy arm, the Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment, WBD is deeply involved in global enforcement efforts.

“Piracy networks are incredibly sophisticated,” Modzeleski explains. “It’s not just people filming movies in the theater with cell phones anymore.”

Instead, piracy today involves intricate global networks that distribute content illegally on a massive scale.

Modzeleski and his team approach this challenge with a combination of technology, expertise, and collaboration. They work closely with investigators, local counsel, and advanced analytics tools to identify and address piracy threats. While a 100 percent success rate is unattainable, the team focuses on making meaningful impacts.

“We prioritize targets and try to curb piracy for our most valuable content,” he says. It’s an ongoing battle that Modzeleski finds challenging and rewarding. “Technology advances constantly, and you see more and more of it. But we have the people, the tools, and the resources to stay ahead.”

Emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) add another layer of complexity to Modzeleski’s work.

“AI is at the top of my mind for my IP team,” he says. “It raises challenging legal issues and opportunities, and we can’t ignore it.  We need to lean in and support the business from an IP perspective, domestically and internationally.”

Leading a global team

Building a cohesive and effective team was one of Modzeleski’s top priorities upon stepping into his new role. The foundation in place was super helpful,” he says, crediting the legacy companies for their strong IP teams. However, the merger required a shift in mindset and strategy.

“It was all about operating as one team, one Warner Bros. Discovery,” he explains. This meant integrating different approaches to IP management and fostering a collaborative culture. “You can’t rely on how things were done at our individual entities. We had to come together and assess the new company’s needs and strategic priorities.”

Modzeleski focused on identifying gaps in the team’s resources and expertise, filling those gaps, and bolstering areas where additional support was needed. Today, he describes the team as “solid, fit-for-purpose,” combining best-in-class expertise and the ability to adapt to the company’s evolving needs. The team’s broad responsibilities encompass trademarks, brand protection, copyrights, patents, anti-piracy, domains and IP policy.

“We’re constantly creating new IP and protecting the existing IP portfolio,” he says. “We are fortunate that the company recognizes its importance and supports our efforts.”

‘It all makes sense’

Leadership has always come naturally to Modzeleski, who describes himself as a problem solver and operational leader. His approach to leadership is rooted in collaboration and empowerment.

“There’s a difference between being a manager and a leader,” he says. “My team’s success is my success.”

He credits this philosophy to mentors who shaped his career, emphasizing the importance of creating an environment where team members feel valued and supported. “I’ve surrounded myself with talented people who bring out the best in each other.”

Modzeleski’s path to his current role was somewhat serendipitous. While he initially planned to become a litigator, a mentor suggested he explore IP law, which he found to be a perfect fit.

“Looking back, it all makes sense,” he reflects. “I landed where I should’ve landed”

Over the years, he has worked with some of the industry’s best brands, gaining experience in private practice and in-house roles. Today, his work is evenly split between counseling the business on IP issues and serving as an operational leader for the global IP function.

Despite the demands of his role, Modzeleski maintains a balanced life outside of work. Married to another IP attorney, he has two young children who keep him busy with activities like soccer and ballet. Family trips to the Delaware beaches are a favorite pastime, and he makes time for daily exercise, whether swimming in the summer or working out on his Peloton.

“It helps my mental health and keeps me focused,” he says.

In an industry where intellectual property is a company’s most valuable asset, Modzeleski’s role is crucial to WBD’s success. As the company continues to grow and evolve, its IP function, under Modzeleski’s leadership, will remain at the forefront of innovation, protection, and strategic development. He embraces this challenge wholeheartedly, driven by a deep respect for the work and iconic brands he stewards.

“It’s a true privilege to be part of this journey, company and industry,” he says.